Experts Debate Fund Industry Outlook at Walkers Seminars

Leading international law firm Walkers has completed another season of its acclaimed series of investment funds seminars, which were held this year in New York, San Francisco and London.

The Walkers Fundamentals seminars- ‘Everything Offshore – Funds in 2015′ – drew over 600 high-calibre delegates, with most of the world’s leading names in the investment management business, joining Walkers’ partners in a debate on the latest developments in governance and regulation of offshore funds, as well as the outlook for the global economy in 2015.

In addition to the panel presentations from Walkers partners in various jurisdictions, Jane Buchan, chief executive officer at Pacific Alternative Asset Management Company (PAAMCO), provided the keynote speech in New York and San Francisco, while BBC economics editor and renowned financial commentator Robert Peston entertained delegates in London.

As in prior years, the centrepiece of the seminars was a review of 2014 activity, based on a survey of the funds Walkers has established for clients, which provides a unique insight into the structuring preferences of the world’s most prominent names in asset management. “We continue to see a greater focus on corporate governance and an aversion to liquidity measures such as gates,” commented Ingrid Pierce, Global Managing Partner of Walkers. “Investors don’t want very long lock ups or complexities. They want simple, clear and comprehensive disclosure.”

Each seminar also featured panel discussions on investment fund governance in key international jurisdictions and the outlook for the global economy, as well as a session for networking. Delegates described the seminar as “very professional and enjoyable”, “slick and well presented”, with snapshots of what was happening in different jurisdictions.

“We would like to thank our clients and friends that continue to support the Walkers Fundamentals event in such great numbers,” said Mark Lewis, Senior Partner with Walkers. “The legal and regulatory challenges in this business are significant and constantly changing. We aim to be true business partners with our clients and we will continue to use this annual event to educate them on global best practice and represent their interests as new laws and regulations are proposed.”

The Walkers Fundamentals Investment Funds seminar series was established in 2008. Playing to packed houses every year, it has become a regular on the New York calendar and a “must attend” event for investment fund professionals and managers with international business interests.

Walkers’ Global Hedge Fund Outlook 2015 – featuring the results of the firm’s 2014 Hedge Fund Survey is available to members of the media on request.